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Rapala Report
Sufix ProMix Braided Fishing Line
With input from Rapala’s top fishing pros, Sufix has developed a premium braided fishing line that will long retain its color without costing too much green.
New Sufix ProMix Braid combines all the benefits of premium braid with ultra-longevity, buoyancy and an innovative colorfast technology.
“We took every characteristic that pros tell us they want in a braid – zero stretch, high abrasion resistance, floatation, tight weave and roundness – and on top of that, made it so it would hold its color for twice as long,” said Ben Miller, Sufix® Fishing Product Development Manager. “And we’ve done it at a price point you can appreciate if you fish a few times a year or every week.”
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Rapala Report
Rapala OG Slim 6 crankbait
From wood shavings and sketches, sawdust and dreams comes Rapala’s new balsa-wood flat-sided crankbait, the OG Slim 6.
“OG stands for ‘Ott’s Garage,’” explained 2019 Bassmaster Classic Champion Ott DeFoe, a Rapala Pro. “This bait is something I designed in my garage.”
A non-rattling, easy-casting crankbait that swims with a medium wobble and tight side-to-side action, the Rapala OG Slim 6 sports a lightweight, circuit-board lip. The lure dives to six feet when fished on 12-pound-test line – hence the “6” in its name.
In a Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour tournament in 2020, DeFoe placed third, catching most of the bass he weighed on a prototype OG Slim 6 crafted in his garage.
“There’s a lot of tinkerers in this part of the country,” said DeFoe, a rural Knoxville, Tenn., native. “I’m really no different, as far as that aspect goes. I love altering a bait. I love building baits out of balsa wood. I’ve done it since I was just a wee little fella.”
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p>Berkley Report
Berkley Expands the Frittside Lineup with the Addition of the Junior and Biggun’
When Berkley® scientists collaborated with David Fritts to create the Berkley Frittside they knew they had a lure that was scientifically proven to catch bass, but even they were surprised at how fast it cemented itself as one of the hottest crankbaits in bass fishing.
It has racked up a lengthy list of accomplishments including the 2019 MLF Redcrest win, a 2020 FLW Pro Circuit event win and a host of Top-10 finishes in both the 2019 and 2020 Bassmaster Classic.
Berkley has expanded the line with the size 5 Frittside with two new profiles, the Frittside Junior and the Frittside Biggun’.
Working with David Fritts, the Berkley scientists were able to bring together the action of a balsa bait with the durability, consistency and casting ability of a plastic bait.
Both new Frittsides are ideal for sluggish and/or pressured fish. The Junior is best suited for clear-water conditions while the Frittside Biggun’ gives anglers the larger profile necessary for muddy conditions. Both feature the classic flat-sided profile while the integrated FlashDisc design delivers a balanced weighting and action that tracks more accurately at higher speeds.
The Frittside Junior and Biggun’ are available in 18 colors ideal for bass fisheries across the nation and come equipped with ultra-sharp Fusion19™ hooks.
Both the Junior and the Biggun’ have an MSRP of $8.99.
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Rapala Report
Rapala’s New Elite Pliers
Rapala’s new high-performance Elite Pliers are armored in Cerakote, a lightweight coating that protects against abrasion, corrosion and ultra-violet light from the sun.
The new 7-inch tool for anglers includes a unique, patented “Mag Spring,” which keeps the pliers’ hybrid jaws open and ready. Flip the switch though and “Mag Lock” tightly secures the jaws for safe storage. The hybrid jaws feature interlocking front teeth, to ensure a lock-tight clasp on hooks.
Additional features of the new Rapala Elite Pliers include:
- Replaceable carbide cutters that easily snip braid, monofilament and fluorocarbon line, as well as light wire (up to 15 lbs.);
- Built-in crimping tool for simple crimps and rigging;
- Robust handles with comfortable ergonomic feel and tactile grip;
- Flat area in back for gripping line and leaders; and
- Neoprene sheath, coil lanyard and carabiner.
Suggested retail is $79.99.
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Abu Garcia Report
Abu Garcia Max DLC Reel
Most line counter reels are bulky, large-bodied reels with an attached line counter. The new low-profile Abu Garcia® Max DLC (Digital Line Counter) reels feature a digital line counter that has been integrated to be part of the reel design. A digital line counter allows for added functionality that is easier to use and is more accurate than a traditional mechanical line counter.
All this is delivered in a low-profile reel with five stainless steel bearings that provide smooth operation, and an ergonomic compact bent handle and drag star for all day comfort on the water. With 20 pounds of max-drag pressure, these reels are able to battle big fish with a combination of comfort and power.